My Life Journey

Away in a Manger: Photos from the Holy Land

Ashley L. Peterson

I’m not religious, but religion does interest me. For Christmas eve, I thought I’d share some relevant photos from my travels. My camera at the time wasn’t great, but I’ve edited the photos as best I can.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old Jerusalem
domed ceiling with image of Christ inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The above photos are of the exterior and interior of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It’s believed to be built upon the site where Jesus was crucified. It isn’t the original church, which was destroyed in the 11th century; it was reconstructed and has since been added onto.

altar at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

This is the Altar of the Nativity at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It’s believed to be the spot where Jesus was born. I say “believed to be” because pinpointing the exact spot of something that happened two millennia ago seems iffy.

This is believed to be the spot where Jesus was placed in the manger.

the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem

This the Chapel of the Milk Grotto, also in Bethlehem. According to Wikipedia, “Christian tradition says is the place where the Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents, before they could flee to Egypt. The name is derived from the story that a ‘drop of milk’ of the Virgin Mary fell on the floor of the cave and changed its colour to white.”

the burning bush at St. Catherine's Monastery at the base of Mt. Sinai

Moving back in historical significance, this is the burning bush (as in God and Moses) at Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai. From there, it’s 3750 steps up to the top of Mount Sinai.

ceiling of the Chiesa del Gesu in Rome

Moving to a different part of the world, this is the ceiling of the Chiesa del Gesu (Church of Jesus) in Rome. Italy is packed with gorgeous churches, so it’s rather hard to keep track of them all. Luckily, the combination of photos having the date and time recorded and my meticulous travel journal, I can usually figure out where photos came from.

Well, that’s all for this biblical-themed travel meander. Merry Christmas!

Published by Ashley L. Peterson

I'm the author of three books: Psych Meds Made Simple, Making Sense of Psychiatric Diagnosis, and Managing the Depression Puzzle. These are informed by my professional experience as a former pharmacist and mental health nurse, as well as my lived experience of major depressive disorder. My goal with Mental Health @ Home is to fight stigma and provide a safe space for open dialogue to empower others.

33 thoughts on “Away in a Manger: Photos from the Holy Land”

  5. Wow, that’s amazing! I had no idea there were religious places like that that could be visited!! 😮 Wow, you learn something new every day! To be where Jesus was would rock!! I’d love to visit the Sermon on the Mount location as well, if anyone knows where it was!! Merry Christmas!! YAY!!

    Reply

      1. Awesome!! Wow, thanks for looking it up for me! I’d give anything to go back in time to it, ya know, but going there now would be amazing too!!

        Reply

  14. Just lovely. I went to Europe 30 years ago now and this reminds me of the beauty in the old buildings and churches. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

      1. Something about the age is calming. The vibe perhaps, the collection of centuries of energy? I don’t find it the same here in BC where “old” is if it gets close to one hundred.

        Reply

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